Mandatory Counseling

For Students New to College

OCC is here to support you in achieving your educational and career goals. Meeting
with a counselor early in your college career is one proven way to increase first-time
college student success. To ensure you get a strong and successful start, OCC now
requires counseling for all students who have never attended college. These appointments
are individually focused to assist you in saving time and money in achieving your
goals. We are excited to meet you and assist you in preparing for a successful college
experience, clarifying your goals and partnering with you on your way to a successful
career.

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Why do I need to sign up for a Mandatory counseling appointment before i start classes?

Your counselor is one of your best all-around resources on campus with connections
to – and knowledge about – many of the programs and people that can help you achieve
success. Mandatory Counseling is both a requirement for class registration and an
important opportunity for your counselor to meet you, learn about your personal and
academic goals and help you chart a path to success.

DO I NEED To PARTICIPATE IN Mandatory COUNSELING?

With thousands of students entering our doors each year, our experience shows counseling
to be an easy – and important – step to ensuring student success. Starting in July
2018, we now require all students entering college for the first time to sign up.

How Do I Satisfy MY Mandatory Counseling Requirement?

Schedule an appointment (NO WALK-INS) during counseling office hours at a campus
of your choice.

A Counseling hold was placed on your record to remind you to see a counselor. You are unable to register until you have completed Mandatory Counseling. The hold will be removed after you have completed an in-person Mandatory Counseling appointment.

how can i prepare for my Mandatory counseling appointment?

Counseling is an ongoing process built on a partnership between you and your Counselor.
There are several things you can do ahead of time to maximize the benefit of this
appointment:

You will schedule your appointment by contacting one of the campuses listed above.

What Happens if I Don't Satisfy the Counseling Requirement?

If you have not seen an OCC counselor by the appropriate deadline, you will be restricted
from registering for any courses and unable to get a jump start on classes that fill
early. Once you meet with a counselor, you will have an effective plan and the hold
is removed. Plan ahead! Attend your mandatory counseling appointment before the deadline.
Do NOT wait until the deadline to get your hold lifted.